February is American Heart Month, a time to focus on the engine that keeps us going. While heart health might seem like a topic for the future, the foundation for a strong cardiovascular system is built today with one step, one game, and one habit at a time.

At Hammond Area Recreation District 1, we are proud to champion this mission through our partnership with the American Heart Association. Together, we’re working to ensure our community has the tools, the space, and the motivation to "Move More and Sit Less."

Why Every Minute Counts

Staying active is one of the best things you can do for your heart. According to the CDC, the goal for adults is about 150 minutes (about 5 hours) of moderate exercise each week, paired with strength-building activities at least two days a week. Woah, 150 minutes, that sounds like a lot, and we get it. But actually, that’s just 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. If your little one is a part of one of our H.A.R.D. #1 programs, use their practice time to get some steps in!  

When you engage in moderate-to-vigorous activity, you aren't just burning calories, you are also training your heart. Regular movement strengthens the heart muscle, improving its ability to pump blood to your lungs and throughout your body. This process delivers more oxygen to your cells and efficiently carries away waste.  

For more tips on everyday habits that protect your heart, check out this guide to heart health awareness put together by our friends over at North Oaks Health System.

Start Young: The 60-Minute Goal

It’s especially important to help kids develop healthy habits early so they can grow into healthy adults. The American Heart Association recommends that children and teens (ages 6-17) get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.  

Youth sports are the perfect way to hit that 60-minute mark while having fun and building social skills. Our programs are designed to get kids mving in a way that feels like play, not a chore. In addition to getting your kiddo moving more, our programs teach teamwork, accountability, and encourages friendships!  

Get the Kids Involved:

We are offering several programs for Spring 2026, including:

• Baseball
• Softball
• Tee-Ball
• Soccer
• Sand Volleyball
• Training Tots
• North Oaks Youth Development Training Program

and we offer programs during the summer and fall, giving your athlete the opportunity to stay active all year long! These programs are a great way to ensure your child gets their heart-pumping activity in a supportive, team environment.

Something for Everyone: Adult Programs & More

If you aren’t used to exercising, the best advice is to start small. You don’t need to be a marathon runner to see benefits; even short walks throughout the day can make a difference. The goal is simply to find ways to move that fit your unique lifestyle.

We offer two adult programs to help you stay consistent and motivated:

Adult Sand Volleyball:  Our Spring Adult Co-Ed Sand Volleyball league brings competitive play, laid-back vibes, and a great community together on the sand. Whether you’ve got a team ready or you’re flying solo, now’s the time to sign up and play.

ChaseHer Run Club: A monthly run club for women who want to chase their fitness goals without the pressure. We meet at Chappapeela Sports Park to run, walk, & connect.

For those who prefer a self-paced workout, our Community Walking Trail is the perfect place for a brisk walk, which is a fantastic way to strengthen your heart and improve lung function.

Join the Movement

We’re so proud to be partnering with the American Heart Association. They'll help us not only revamp our emergency action plan for cardiac arrest, but they’ll be certifying 9 of our employees, providing us with AEDs, and with hands on kits for educating staff, coaches, and volunteers!

Whether you are 6 or 60, it is vital to stay active for your long-term health. From our partnership with the American Heart Association to our local trails and sports leagues, we truly believe there is something for everyone here in Hammond, Louisiana.

Let’s make this February the month we all commit to sitting less and moving more. Your heart will thank you!

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